Santa Monica & Malibu

The end of Route 66 – and where it actually is

The famous “End of the Trail” sign stands on the Santa Monica Pier, and that is where nearly everyone takes the final photo. Historically, though, Route 66 ended a little inland, at the junction of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard. Take in both and you get the more honest version of the story – and far fewer people in the second photo.

Heading north: your first night on the Pacific

From Santa Monica, Highway 1 runs right along the coast to Malibu. The first genuine oceanfront campgrounds are roughly 30 to 45 minutes north – depending on traffic, which is honestly the bigger variable here than distance. After that it quietens down: Oxnard, Ventura, and after about 95 miles Santa Barbara, with a Supercharger on site.

Deliberately plan a short first day. After a long-haul flight, the coast road into low sun is no pleasure, and the campsite is not going anywhere.

Charging and parking in greater LA

You will find Superchargers in Santa Monica and along the coastal corridor regularly – California is the densest EV market in the US. More important than charging here is parking: with a rooftop tent the vehicle sits noticeably higher, and many parking garages in greater LA have height limits around 6.5 feet. We show you what to watch for at handover, and recommend street parking over garages for this part of the trip.